Letter 81
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and finding hope in Him, even in the midst of darkness and distress.
James Bourne encourages his dear friend to trust in the Lord's ways, even in times of darkness and distress, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will. He reminds them of the example of Abraham and the pastor's own journey of ministry through difficulties and darkness, where the Lord stood by him. Bourne urges his friend to seek God diligently, promising that those who fear the Lord will be prevalent with God and will find light in darkness, experiencing the graciousness and righteousness of the Lord.
Text
[To the Rev. B. G.] London, 8 June 1835.
My dear Friend, I received your tidings, and wish to add, the Lord's ways are in the deep, and it is our mercy in all things to look well to the words of our Lord, "Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done." I hope you will be able to remain at your post to comfort the few poor remaining sheep that have thus been driven. I am not at all surprised at the darkness and distress that this circumstance has brought upon you both; and though it has been coming upon you as gradually as it well could, yet I have no doubt it has brought much sin to remembrance. I would call to your mind that a horror of great darkness fell upon Abraham, very little before the Lord renewed his covenant with him. I well remember our friend and pastor, when he first exercised the ministry; it was under the most distressing difficulties and darkness, with great bondage and contraction of spirit; and yet to the confusion of all his enemies, the Lord stood by him, and brought him through with a high hand; and through many groaning petitions, the misgiving fears and dismay that often overpowered him, were sanctified to the humbling of his soul, and the seeking of still further testimonies of his being sent of God.
I am sure you will have the prayers of all here that understand "the affliction of Joseph," and know what spiritual baptism means. "Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord;" he shall be prevalent with God. To him that thus walks uprightly, shall arise "light in darkness;" he shall know that the Lord is gracious, and righteous altogether. "Surely he shall not be moved for ever," notwithstanding that the waves roar, and all things threaten destruction. Therefore be not afraid of evil tidings; trust in the Lord, and your horn shall be exalted with honour. [Psalm cxii.]
Let your spiritual labour be manifest now in seeking God night and day, and never cease until the is pleased to enlighten your darkness, and compose your distracted fluctuating mind.
From your unworthy servant in the Lord, J. B.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Ways are in the Deep
- Experiencing Darkness and Distress
- Finding Hope in the Lord
- The Example of Abraham
- The Example of a Friend and Pastor
- The Blessing of Fearing the Lord
- The Promise of Light in Darkness
- The Importance of Trusting in the Lord
Key Quotes
“The Lord's ways are in the deep, and it is our mercy in all things to look well to the words of our Lord, 'Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.'” — James Bourne
“Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he shall be prevalent with God.” — James Bourne
“Therefore be not afraid of evil tidings; trust in the Lord, and your horn shall be exalted with honour.” — James Bourne
Application Points
- We should seek to fear the Lord and trust in Him, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
- Spiritual labour is essential in seeking God's guidance and enlightenment.
- We can find hope and peace in the Lord, even in the midst of darkness and distress.